Brooklyn Bridge Bicycle-Riding Skyrockets, After Creation of Two-Way Protected Bike Lane

The Brooklyn Bridge is now a huge part of New York City’s biking boom, ever since the Department of Transportation (DOT) created a new two-way protected bike lane on the Brooklyn Bridge on Sept. 14, when the bridge started to see a stunning 88% increase in cyclists, when compared with number of cyclists who traversed the bridge in October 2020.

 “We have reclaimed space from cars to make cycling over the Brooklyn Bridge safer and easier, while making the pedestrian experience better than ever – and it has been a great success,” said DOT Commissioner Hank Gutman. “I couldn’t be more thrilled to see people flock to this critical connection in our bike lane network. If you haven’t yet, I encourage everyone to try the new lane and embrace cycling as a sustainable and healthy way to get around our great city.”

While 2,239 bicyclists rode across the Brooklyn Bridge’s bike path in October of 2020, that number skyrocketed to 4,206 last month, now that that DOT has completed its transformation of a lane from car traffic to a safe space for bikers to cross the bridge.

In addition, in its first remodeling of the bridge since 1950, when the bridge’s trolley lines were removed, the DOT also designated just for pedestrians, the bridge’s promenade, which had once been shared by both pedestrians and cyclists.

The DOT is responsible for cleaning and maintenance of the bike lane, which is cleaned every two weeks or more often if necessary. In addition, the DOT has acquired snow removal equipment to be prepared for the winter months ahead.

“It is wonderful to see New Yorkers taking advantage of the City’s bike lanes in increasing numbers,” said Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon. “Biking in New York is an efficient, healthy, and climate-friendly method of transportation, on top of being fun. With each new protected bike lane, more and more New Yorkers are comfortable getting out on their bikes.

“Please travel safely and wear helmets, everyone!”

Photo Credit: Lensky Photo